Fives is now due to become a cocktail bar and restaurant, while Mr Rigby focuses on creating a casino in the former Morrison’s supermarket in the Guild Hall compelx. He will need to apply for a Gaming Licence, approved by the government, for this to be able to happen.

Mr Rigby said he had already had significant interest from London-based providers to operate Fives.

He said: “It’s a fantastic building and it’s all there and ready to be taken on.

“We are in advanced talks with a London-based provider to do something really classy in there in terms of food and drinks.”

Entrance to what used to be Fives Pic: Paul Melling

A brief history of 49/51 Guildhall Street

Built in 1878 the building is grade II listed and was the former Preston Conservative Club.

It became Fives and gained quite the reputation in Preston until it closed in 2006.

It re-opened in 2007 as the Cocktail Factory in the basement, and became Vintage Bar and Priory Bar upstairs.